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A Year’s  Outline  for 
Religious  Meetings 

in  Student  Young  Women’s 
Christian  Associations 


Prepared  by  MISS  OOLOOAH  BURNER,  National  Secretary 
for  Church  Schools,  with  the  needs  of  such  schools  especially 
in  mind,  this  leaflet  will  nevertheless  be  helpful  to  many  other 
student  Associations  looking  for  suggestions  for  individual  meetings. 
Order  for  1 0 cents,  or  $ 1 .00  per  dozen  copies  from  the 
Publication  Department,  National  Board,  Young  Women’s 
Christian  Associations,  600  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City. 


A YEAR’S  OUTLINE  FOR  RELIGIOUS 
MEETINGS 


In  response  to  many  and  urgent  appeals  for  “more  detailed 
suggestions”  for  meetings  in  student  Associations,  the  following 
year’s  program  is  offered  with  the  hope  that  it  may  prove  sug- 
gestive in  some  ways,  if  not  in  all.  (For  general  principles 
involved  in  the  preparation  of  any  program,  study  the  technical 
pamphlet  on  religious  meetings.) 

The  program  is  made  up  of  suggestions  only,  as  you  see, 
and  not  at  all  to  be  rigidly  followed  unless  it  seems  wise  in  any 
local  situation.  All  books,  pamphlets,  aud  reports  referred  to 
may  be  ordered,  if  not  already  in  the  college  or  Association 
library,  or  the  library  of  your  local  pastors,  from  the  Publica- 
tion Department  of  the  Young  Women’s  Christian  Association, 
600  Lexington  Avenue,  New  York  City.  It  would  be  very 
much  worth  while  to  provide  for  a number  of  such  books  in 
your  budget  each  year. 

The  suggestions  are  made  with  the  thought  in  mind  of 
student  leaders  for  the  meetings,  and  no  list  of  questions  is 
complete  ; they  are  merely  to  start  the  committee  or  leader  to 
thinking  in  preparation.  Frequently  the  questions  touch  only 


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one  phase  of  a subject  when  there  are  many  other  phases  that 
might  be  taken  up  as  well.  Of  course,  for  a number  of  meet- 
ings you  will  probably  have  faculty  or  outside  speakers;  in  that 
case,  it  is  well  to  show  them  whatever  program  you  have  for 
the  year  in  order  that  they  may  not  duplicate.  If  the  meetings 
have  grown  monotonous  from  being  confined  to  student  lead- 
ers, make  especial  effort  to  have  a fresh  viewpoint  now  and  then 
from  outside.  The  eight  missionary  meetings  are  listed  sep- 
arately, not  because  they  are  a subject  set  apart,  but  because 
they  are  to  be  inserted  where  the}'  belong  according  to  your 
dates. 


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WE 


Subject: — Presentation  of  the  Association  to  new  students. 
Bible  Reading: — John  10:10. 

Explanation  of  your  Association’s  organization  and  work 
from  standpoint  of  the  purpose.  It  might  be  well  to  take  up 
the  purpose  in  the  Suggested  Constitution,  clause  by  clause, 
having  each  committee’s  work  explained  in  connection  with  the 
clause  of  the  purpose  under  which  that  committee  finds  its  reason 
for  existence.  For  instance  : — 

“To  unite” 

Literary  societies,  sororities,  athletic  clubs,  classes,  etc., 
unite  a few  in  each  case  to  the  exclusion  of  others  ; spirit  of 
rivalry ; basis  of  union  on  one  phase  of  life  only.  Contrast 
Association — unites  all,  regardless  of  age  or  class,  on  fund- 
amental basis  of  living  at  one’s  best : 

( a ) Membership  Committee — Explain  meaning  of  member- 
ship. Make  clear  that  if  it  counts  for  anything  at  all  in  a girl’s 
life,  it  will  mean  work,  self-sacrifice  for  the  good  of  others, 
steady  growth,  activity.  Take  up  excuses  commonly  given  for 
not  joining, — for  instance,  “no  time”,  “no  money”,  “not  in- 
terested”, “I  will  come  in  if  I don't  have  to  do  anything”, 
etc.;  and  take  the  props  out  from  under  each  excuse  in  such  a 
way  that  it  can  never  stand  again. 

(b)  Meetings  Committee — Explain  how  its  work  is  to  prov- 
ide for  thinking  together  as  girls;  for  discussions;  for  wor- 
shipping together,  etc.  Meetings  voluntary  of,  by,  and  for 
students.  Explain  plan  of  working — that  is,  blocking  out  work 


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for  the  year  in  order  to  meet  local  needs,  choosing  the  best 
leaders  regardless  of  whether  they  have  led  before  or  not,  etc., 
and  ask  for  criticisms,  suggestions,  and  support  during  the  year. 

(c)  Social  Committee — To  unite  the  women  students  in 
spreading  the  spirit  of  the  living  of  Jesus  himself  in  the  every 
day  life  of  the  campus, — emphasis  not  on  parlies. 

“To  lead  ...  to  accept  ...  as  their  personal  Saviour” 

A desire  which  comes  through  growing  knowledge  gained 
from  meetings,  study,  Association  classes,  personal  friends,  and 
work. 

“To  build  ...  up  in  knowledge  of  Christ” 

Here  some  students  should  speak  for  the  Voluntary  Study 
classes  of  the  year,  including  the  idea  that  the  knowledge  of 
Christ  comes  first  through  Bible  reading,  and  prayer  (Morning 
Watch)  and  through  study,  sometimes  Bible,  sometimes  mission 
or  social  study,  wherever  possible  in  connection  with  the  church. 
. . . “That  their  character  and  conduct  may  be  consonant  with 
their  belief” — 

Reference  might  be  made  here  to  the  Social  Committee 
also,  but  the  Social  Service  Committee  or  committees  would 
probably  have  the  time  under  this  topic. 

“It  shall  thus  associate  them  with  the  students  of  the  world  for 
the  advancement  of  the  Kingdom  of  God” 

A sentence  or  two  concerning  the  more  than  hundred  and 
fifty  thousand  students  in  over  forty  nations  that  are  in  the 
same  Federation,  connection  with  whom  comes  through  work  of 
Association  News  Committee  and  Missionary  Committee. 
“Enlist  devotion  to  Christian  Church,  etc.” 


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The  Social  Service  Committee  can  speak  here  of  any  work 
done  in  the  community  in  connection  with  local  churches  If 
there  is  a special  committee  on  church  membership  and  attend- 
ance it  would  naturally  come  at  this  point. 

Advertising A poster  of  girls,  an  attractively  worded  announce- 
ment, and  a personally  worded  invitation  to  every  new  girl 
with  perhaps  an  older  girl  to  accompany  her.  A welcome 
committee  outside  the  door,  and  real  cordiality  after  the 
meeting  closes. 

In  order  to  confine  such  a subject  to  the  allotted  time,  it 
would  have  to  be  handled  by  one  or  two  people  who  know 
how  to  make  a subject  interesting  and  clear-cut  without 
wasting  words. 

The  leader  might  sum  up  the  meeting  by  reading  thought- 
fully the  purpose  of  the  Association  (from  the  suggested 
Constitution.) 

Closing  Hymn: — Something  like  “Faith  of  our  fathers.’’ 

Bible  Reading: — I Thess.  3:11-13. 

“CHOOSE  YE” 

Subject: — Kipling’s  “I  wish  myself  could  talk  to  myself  as  1 
left  ’im  a year  ago;  I could  tell  ’im  a lot  that  would  save  ’im 
a lot  of  the  things  ’e  ought  to  know.” 

Leaders: — Four — sophomore,  junior,  senior,  and  recent  alumna. 

Retrospective,  on  scale  of  values  for  college:  “what  is  worth 
doing,  and  what  can  be  left  undone  in  a college  year.” 

What  to  choose.  Based  on  honest  confessions  from  actual 
experiences. 


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Bible  Reading: — Matt.  6:24;  Matt.  6:33. 

Reference  for  Leader: — Chapter  10  in  “The  Manhood  of  the 

Master.” 

Hymns:— Such  as  “Fight  the  good  fight” 

Poster: — A very  large  girl  shaking  her  finger  at  a very  small 
frightened  girl;  or  someone  standing  undecided  at  cross- 
roads; or  if  the  Kipling  quotation  is  used  as  a subject  the 
poster  could  represent  someone  speaking  to  himself  as  to 
another  person. 

“IS  YOUR  BOOK  DUSTY?”  or,  “FINDING  THE  WAY” 

Subject: — Bible  study. 

Just  what  is  the  Bible  anyway  ? 

Why  should  a student  study  it? 

Is  there  a place  for  voluntary  study  in  addition  to  the 
curriculum  ? Why  or  why  not? 

Can  a student  find  time  every  day  for  voluntary  private 
Bible  reading  and  prayer  ? 

Exactly  how  do  most  students  treat  their  Bibles  ? Is  it  fair? 

How  much  time  ought  one  to  give  it  ? Can  one  plan  for 
that  time  ? 

What  happens,  if  one  does,  to  make  it  worth  while,  and 
what  happens  if  one  lets  it  slip?  Is  there  a law  of  cause 
and  effect  in  this  as  in  other  things? 

What  are  Bible  circles  or  groups  ? 

Why  are  they  worth  while  ? 

Does  any  girl  get  out  of  a group  more  than  she  is  willing 
to  put  in  ? 


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If  the  Voluntary  Study  classes  are  to  be  presented  at  this 
meeting,  make  the  presentation  fair,  showing  the  possibilities 
in  each  group,  but  making  very  clear  also  the  fact  that  the 
worth  of  anyone  class  will  be  determined  almost  entirely  by 
what  each  member  puts  into  it  of  study,  steadiness,  interest, 
thinking,  discussion,  etc. 

Why  should  the  Voluntary  Study  plans  include  foreign 
and  North  American  problems  as  well  as  Bible  ? 

Why  is  it  logical  that  social  study  is  needed  for  a well 
rounded  Christian  life  ? 

Bible  Reading: — Hebrews  4:12. 

Reference: — Introduction  to  pamphlet  on  Voluntary  Study 
Prospectus  for  1914-15.  Mr.  Mott’s  closing  address  at  Kansas 
City  on  the  Morning  Watch,  etc. 

Hymns:— Such  as  “O  word  of  God  incarnate” 

Poster: — A girls  desk  covered  with  books  and  papers,  a Bible 
almost  hidden  underneath. 

A RARE  SPIRIT 

Subject: — Forbes  Robinson’s  Life  and  Letters  to  his  Friends. 

An  informal  sketch  from  his  life,  and  bits  from  his  letters, 
including  humorous  portions,  showing  how  real  his  religion 
was  in  the  life  of  a simple,  normal,  loving,  influential  man. 

What  was  the  secret  of  his  influence  ? Was  it  a thing  that 
you  and  I could  get  ? 

How  would  that  kind  of  spirit  manifest  itself  in  the  life  you 
are  living  ? 


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Bible  Reading: — I John  3: [-3. 

Hymn: — “O,  Master  let  me  walk  with  Thee” 

Poster: — Some  striking  bit  from  one  of  the  Letters,  or  the 
picture  of  a man  at  a desk. 

“WHAT  IT  WAS  ALL  ABOUT” 

Subject: — Reports  of  the  summer  conference. 

Divided  possibly  among  three  speakers  on  such  subjects  as: 
Folks 
Frolics 

Firing  Lines  (councils,  classes,  meetings,  etc.) 

Bible  Reading: — 2 Cor.  4:5-6;  1 Cor.  10:31. 

Hymns : — The  conference  hymns 

Poster: — Pictures  of  the  conference  or  a map  of  the  State  in 
which  the  conference  was  held,  with  innumerable  lines  lead- 
ing from  every  direction  to  the  conference  point. 

ON  LEADING  MEETINGS 

Because  the  meetings  are  so  often  misinterpreted  by  girls 
who  are  asked  to  lead,  and  who  refuse  because  they  “are  not 
good  enough”,  or  who  accept  and  give  only  casual  attention  to 
preparation,  or  because  they  are  misinterpreted  by  those  who  in 
attending  criticise  the  leaders  because  they  are  not  perfect, 
and  so  stifle  the  atmosphere  of  the  meeting  by  their  indifference 
or  criticism, — because  of  these  conditions,  might  it  not  be  well 
to  have  a meeting  early  in  the  autumn  on  the  subject  of 
“Leading  Meetings”  and  what  it  means.  It  might  take  the 


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form  of  an  open  debate,  or  two  or  three  clever  girls  could  work 
up  a “muck  newspaper”,  a “special  edition”  on  the  subject. 
Or  it  could  be  taken  up  in  the  form  of  a little  play  adapted 
from  an  article  entitled  “A  Modern  Morality”  in  the  Association 
Monthly,  December,  1911.  (The  article  contains  numerous 
suggestions  as  to  preparation  for  leading  a meeting.) 

Bible  Reading. — If  you  want  a Bible  reference,  something  like 
1 John  4:18  would  cover  a part  of  the  theme. 

Hymns:— (If  they  are  used)  such  as  “Who  is  on  the  Lord's 
side”,  and  “O,  Jesus  I have  promised” 

EIGHT  WEEK  CLUBS 

(If  there  were  enough  clubs  to  report,  or  enough  interesting 
facts  from  one  or  two). 

Bible  Reading:— Phil.  2:1-5;  or  the  phrase  from  Luke  19:12, 
“What  they  had  gained  by  trading”. 

Hymn: — “For  the  beauty  of  the  earth” 

Poster: — An  attractive  country  landscape. 

“I  WILL  BE  SQUARE” 

1.  In  what  I say. 

Classes — Is  “bluffing”  square? 

Friends — Do  your  friends  “bank”  on  your  sincerity? 
Religion — Do  you  say  more  than  you  believe  ? Are  you 
guilty  of  what  people  call  “religious  cant”?  On  the 
other  hand,  do  you  pretend  that  you  are  worse  than 
you  are  ? Is  that  a pose  as  much  as  the  other  ? 


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2.  In  what  I do. 

Do  you  act  upon  what  you  say  you  believe  ? 

Have  you  the  habit  of  evading? 

Do  you  spend  your  time  honestly  ? 

Are  you  square  in  dealing  with  the  things  that  have  been 
entrusted  to  you — your  mind,  your  spirit,  your  body, 
your  influence,  etc.  ? 

3.  In  what  I am. 

Do  you  dare  to  be  honest  with  yourself  ? 

Are  you  afraid  to  see  yourself  as  you  are  ? 

For  what  purpose  are  you  using  the  life  that  has  been 
given  you,  etc.  ? 

Bible  Reading: — I Cor.  4:20 

Hymn: — “Christian,  rise  and  act  thy  creed’’ 

Poster: — A square  face  with  the  features  made  out  of  square  and 
right  angle  lines,  or  a whole  body  built  on  the  same  plan. 

THANKSGIVING 

Why  should  one  ever  say  “thank  you”? 

In  what  does  that  habit  originate  ? 

Has  America  today  particular  reasons  for  saying  “thank 
you”,  more  than  other  countries  ? Have  you  more  than  other 
people  ? 

For  what  are  you  most  thankful  in  your  own  life? 

Have  you  thought  through  point  by  point  the  things  you 
have  to  be  grateful  for,  in  regard  to  your  body,  your  mind, 
your  spirit,  your  family,  “folks”,  campus  life,  play  times,  work, 
the  natural  world,  etc.? 


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Bible  Reading: — Luke  17:12-18,  Ephesians  5:19-20. 

Hymns: — Of  thanksgiving,  such  as  “Rejoice,  ye  pure  in  heart", 
“For  the  beauty  of  the  earth". 

Poster: — The  conventional  picture  of  Puritans  on  the  way  to 
church,  or  an  autumn  cornfield,  etc. 


The  difference  between  your  feeling  after  giving  something 
away  voluntarily,  and  losing  something. 

Have  you  ever  given  until  it  hurt?  “God  so  loved  the 
world,  that  he  gave”.  Which  comes  first,  the  loving  or  the 
giving?  Does  one  produce  the  other? 

Have  you  ever  kept  account  of  your  expenditures  at  college 
for  two  months?  On  one  side  of  the  page,  candy,  soda,  crack- 
ers, chocolate,  peanut  butter,  ice  cream,  etc.  On  the  other  side, 
“Gifts  toward  the  coming  of  the  Kingdom  of  Righteousness 
upon  the  earth". 

Would  it  be  fair  to  keep  such  an  account  for  two  months, 
and  after  that  base  one’s  expenditures  upon  what  one  discovered 
to  be  the  fair  and  right  thing  ? 

Bible  Reading: — Money,  Luke  20:25;  Time,  Matthew  10:38; 

Joy,  Acts  3:1-8;  Self,  John  15:13. 

Hymn. — “We  give  Thee  but  thine  own” 

Poster: — A page  from  the  average  college  girls  expense  account. 
References: — “Money,  its  Nature  and  Power”,  a pamphlet  by 
Dr.  SchaufSer.  “The  Opportunity  of  the  Hour”,  by  Mr.  Eddy 


GIVING 


Money  Giving 
Time  Giving 


Joy'  Giving 
Self  Giving 


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THE  JESTER’S  SWORD 


A little  book  by  Anna  F.  Johnson,  the  story  of  one  who 
gave  his  best.  It  might  be  worth  while  to  have  the  whole 
meeting  simply  a reading  by  someone  who  can  read  with  depth 
of  sympathy  and  with  simplicity. 

Hymn: — “Soldiers  of  Christ,  Arise’’ 

Poster: — A jester  in  cap  and  bells. 

Note:  “The  Face  of  Christ’’,  by  K.  P.  Woods,  is  also  a 

good  book  for  such  a meeting. 

CHRISTMAS 

Bible  References: — Luke  1:67-79;  Luke  2:8-14;  John  8:12 — 
“Light  of  the  world”.  Emphasis  on  verse  79  of  Luke  1, 
“To  shine  upon  them  that  sit  in  darkness”. 

Does  the  way  you  celebrate  the  coming  of  the  Christ  child 
take  that  spirit  into  account,  or  is  all  the  “shining”  that  you 
do  done  toward  those  whose  way  lies  already  in  paths  of  light? 

What  is  the  reason  for  Christmas  giving? 

What  proportion  of  your  Christmas  gifts  are  planned  for 
those  for  whom  life  means  only  shadows  and  sufferings  and 
struggles? 

For  the  sake  of  weary  shopgirls  to  whom  the  last  crowded 
weeks  before  Christmas  are  one  long  horror  of  overwork,  would 
you  be  willing  to  do  your  Christmas  buying  at  an  earlier  time? 

Could  you  agree  with  some  of  your  friends  to  exchange 
your  Christmas  gifts  in  some  such  way  as  the  following: — 

Sometime  during  the  year  to  give  the  equivalent  of  your 


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gfift  to  one  friend,  in  time,  or  money  or  work,  which  will  gladden 
the  life  of  someone  who  would  not  otherwise  know  any  Christmas 
joy,  and  then  in  order  not  to  lose  the  joy  of  communion  with 
your  friend  at  the  happiest  time  of  year,  write  the  friend  for 
whom  it  has  been  done  all  about  where  your  Christmas  gift  has 
gone,  and  what  form  it  has  taken.  Would  there  be  so  many 
sad-hearted  mothers  who  sit  numb  on  Christmas  F.ve  before 
“the  greatest  tragedy  of  motherhood”  the  empty  Christmas 
stocking. 

What  has  Christmas  always  meant  to  you  ? 

How  much  time  do  you  spend  in  preparation  for  it,  think- 
ing into  the  spirit  of  the  first  Christmas  morning? 

What  would  it  mean  in  the  life  of  the  world  if  all  of  us 
were  to  live  the  year  around  in  the  spirit  of  Christmas  ? 

(Would  it  help  the  spirit  of  all  in  college  who  are  approach- 
Christmas,  if  Christmas  carols  were  to  be  sung  at  dusk  around 
the  campus  on  the  last  night  before  the  Christmas  holidays  ?) 

NEW  YEAR 

Subject: — The  Psychology  of  Resolutions. 

References:— Chapter  on  Habit  in  James’  “Psychology.” 

Dr.  Henry  King’s  pamphlet,  “The  Fight  for 
Character.” 

John  Foster’s  little  book,  “Decision  of  Character.” 
Mark  Twain  says,  “Habit  is  habit,  and  not  to  be 
thrown  out  of  the  window,  but  coaxed  down 
stairs  one  step  at  a time.” 

Has  your  habit  of  New  Year  resolutions  been  based  upon 
common  sense  methods?  Or  have  you  had  a sort  of  super- 


15 


stitious  idea  that  there  was  some  magic  about  Xew  Year’s  Day 
that  would  stick  full-grown  habits  upon  one  without  effort? 
“Every  day  is  the  beginning  of  a new  year.’’ 

Are  New  Year's  resolutions  worth  while? 

How  must  one  go  about  them? 

Is  it  wiser  to  try  to  develop  them  all  at  once  or  to  make  a 
list  for  the  year  and  concentrate  first  upon  one  until  it  is  well 
grounded,  and  then  upon  the  next,  and  so  forth? 

Bible  Reading: — Philippians  3:12-14;  Hebrews  12:1-4 
Hymns: — Such  as,  “Awake,  my  soul,  stretch  every  nerve” 
Poster: — A long  list  of  typical  New  Year’s  resolutions  on  the 
big  calendar  page  for  January  1st,  and  same  list  destroyed, 
with  calendar  page  January  5 for  background. 

“ARE  YOU  EXTRAVAGANT?” 

References: — Report  of  Commission  on  Thrift  and  Efficiency, 
articles  in  The  Association  Monthly  and  other  current 
magazines  on  “Thrift  and  Efficiency”. 

Hymns: — Such  as,  “Father,  whate’er  of  earthly  bliss” 

Bible  Reading: — Luke  16:10,  or  Matt.  25:14-21  with  emphasis 
on  verse  21. 

Poster: — A happy-go-lucky  girl  throwing  money  to  the  winds. 

“THROUGH  FRESHMEN  SPECTACLES”  OR 
“ COLLEGE  AS  WE  SEE  IT  ” 

(entirely  in  the  hands  of  Freshmen) 

A frank  coufession  from  several  freshmen  as  to  the  things 
they  were  disappointed  in  in  college.  Ways  in  which  it  differs 
from  their  ideals.  What  they  like  best  about  it.  What  they 
are  willing  to  do  to  bring  it  up  to  their  ideal,  etc. 


16 


Bible  Reading:— I Corinthians  13. 

Hymns: — “Fight  the  good  fight”.  ‘‘The  Son  of  God  goes 
forth  to  war”. 

Poster: — A frightened  freshman  approaching  the  campus. 

Note:  Have  it  understood  that  freshman  are  to  be  absolutely 
and  fearlessly  frank  in  this  new  way  of  playing  “truth”. 

“HOW  DO  YOU  PRAY?” 

“ What  you  pray  is  the  surest  index  to  what  you  think  of  Cod." 

Do  you  honestly  pray  or  just  say  words?  Why? 

Do  you  know  what  it  means  to  practice  the  presence  of  God? 
For  what  sort  of  things  do  you  pray? 

Do  you  ask  for  things  or  do  you  share  with  God  your  long- 
ing which  is  also  his? 

Do  you  pray  “believing”  or  blocking  the  answer  by  not  ex- 
pecting that  God  will  really  take  account  of  what  you  ask  for? 

“And  He  did  not  there  many  mighty  works,  because  of 
their  unbelief.” 

Are  your  prayers  selfish?  Intelligent?  Active?  that  is,  are 
you  willing  to  do  everything  in  your  power  to  help  fulfill 
what  you  ask  for?  What  is  the  basis  of  fear  of  praying  aloud? 
What  should  one  have  in  mind  in  praying  a prayer  in  a group? 
Bible  Reading: — Matthew  6:5-13;  6:33;  7:7;  9:38;  14:23,  etc. 
Hymns: — “Prayer  is  the  soul's  sincere  desire  ;”  “Draw  Thou  my 
soul,  O Christ.” 

Note:  The  preparation  for  this  meeting  will  require  much 
thinking  and  a study  of  such  books  as: — 


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Nolan  Rice  Best’s,  “Beyond  the  Natural  Order.” 

Mr.  Mott's  “Intercessors  — The  Primary  Need” 
(a  pamphlet. ) 

“Quiet  Talks  on  Prayer,”  by  S.  B.  Gordon. 

What  Forbes  Robinson  says  about  prayer  in  “His 
Letters  to  his  Friends;” 
and  the  older  books — 

Andrew  Murray’s  “With  Christ  in  the  School  of 
Prayer”  and  “The  Ministry  of  Intercessors," 
and  Brother  Lawrence’s  “The  Practice  of  the 
Presence  of  God.”  It  may  be  a help  to  try 
and  write  out  one  or  more  prayers.  Learn 
from  the  Psalms  how  the  Psalmist  prayed; 
from  Jesus  ; from  the  Apostles  : from  great 
men  and  women  since  then. 

“ EVERYBODY’S  LONESOME  ” 

The  story  of  Clara  Laughlin’s  little  book  “Everybody’s 
Lonesome,”  either  cut  for  reading  or  told.  Or  the  “Shet-up 
Posy”  from  Annie  Trumbull  Slossen’s  little  book  called 
“Story-Tell  Lib.” 

Bible  Reading:— Matt.  25:35.  “For  I was  a stranger  and  ye 
took  me  in”. 

Hymn: — “When  thy  heart  with  joy  o’er-flowing” 

Poster: — A girl  standing  alone  at  a party  where  everybody  else 
is  having  a good  time  together.  Advertise,  if  wise,  for 
“every  girl  who  is  ever  self-conscious,  awkward,  sensitive 
or  lonely,  and  for  all  who  are  not”. 


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IF  YOU  WERE  A SETTLEMENT  WORKER 

(Choice  between  this  subject  and  the  following  one) 
Subject: — People  you  would  deal  with. 

Where  you  would  have  to  live. 

What  it  would  require  of  you. 

(a)  Strength 

(b)  Courage 

(c)  Sympathy 

(d)  Level-headed  judgements 

(e)  Self-sacrifice 

(f)  Ability  to  give  people  somthing  more 

than  things.  Luke  12:15 

Reference*: — “Twenty  Years  in  Hull  House”,  by  JaneAddams. 

“The  Spirit  of  Youth  in  the  City  Streets”,  by 
Jane  Addams. 

“How  the  Other  Half  Lives,”  by  Jacob  Riis. 
“The  Survey”,  etc. 

Bible  Reading: — Luke  4:17-18. 

Hymn: — “Where  cross  the  crowded  ways  of  life”. 

Poster: — A congested  city  district,  or  a group  of  immigrants. 

or 

“THE  CRY  OF  THE  CHILDREN”  OR 
“YOUR  LITTLE  SISTERS” 

Subject: — Child  Labor 

Reference: — Material  from  the  National  Child  Labor  Move- 
ment (105  East  22nd  Street,  New  York)  if  it  can  be  well 
enough  worked  up  without  slipping  over  from  the  tragic  to 
the  ridiculous.  The  use  of  a little  play  such  as  is  suggested 


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in  “Stories  of  the  Other  Child’’,  published  by  The  Child 
Labor  Movement  in  December  1913,  would  be  a very  drama- 
tic way  of  presenting  actual  conditions.  If  you  have  not  the 
material  for  that  kind  of  a presentation,  some  one  might 
read  one  of  the  typical  stories,  giving  quietly  at  the  close  a 
few  direct  statistics  about  conditions  and  the  work  of  the 
movement  to  give  children  their  right  to  live,  and  what  you 
can  do  to  help. 

Bible  Reading:  — Matt.  18:14 

Hymn: — “I  think  when  I read  that  sweet  story  of  old.’’ 

Poster: — One  of  the  photographs  of  tiny  children  at  work  in 
factories,  or  sweatshops,  or  a print  of  “Christ  blessing  little 
children”. 

“COME  ALONG  WITH  ME” 

An  outdoor  meeting  reproducing  as  far  as  possible  a typical 

day  at  a conference. 

Bible  Reading:— Matt.  17:1-8;  Matt.  17-14-21 

Hymns: — Conference  favorites. 

Poster: — “Where  are  you  going,  my  pretty  maid?”  “To  summer 
conference,  sir,”  she  said.  (A  girl  with  suit  case,  tennis 
racket,  etc.) 

“WHAT  DOES  EASTER  MEAN  TO  YOU?” 

Subject: — Preparation  for  Easter  (meeting  preceding  Easter 
Sunday.) 

Why  celebrate  Easter? 

History  of  Easter  and  Easter  customs. 


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Getting  at  symbolism  back  of  each  custom. 

Deepest  meaning  of  the  day  — The  Risen  Christ  — the 
Christ  “who  liveth  in  me”.  Is  that  true  in  your  life,  or  might 
he  just  as  well  have  stayed  bound  by  death  so  far  as  your  every 
day  life  is  concerned? 

How  is  the  significance  of  Easter  connected  with  every 
day  of  the  year? 

Bible  Readings  to  choose  from: — I Cor.  15:20  — ‘‘But  now  is 

Christ  risen  from  the  dead”;  Rom.  6:4 ‘‘that  like  as  Christ 

wasraised  from  the  dead  through  the  glory  of  the  Father,  so  we 

also  might  walk  in  the  newness  of  life;”  Rom.  6:6 “That 

so  we  should  no  longer  be  in  bondage  to  sin;”  Rom.  6:13 

“present  yourselves  unto  God,  as  alive  from  the  dead”; 
Rom.  8:2.  “The  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus  made 

me  free  from  the  law  of  sin  and  death;”  Gal.  2:20 "it  is 

no  longer  I that  live,  but  Christ  liveth  in  me”;  1 Cor.  15:54- 
57 — “Death  isswallowed  up  in  victory.  O death,  where  is  thy 
victory?  O death,  where  is  thy  sting?  The  sting  of  death 
is  sin,  and  the  power  of  sin  is  law,  but  thanks  be  to  God  who 
giveth  us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.” 

Hymns: — Choose  from  the  best  Easter  hymns  available. 

Note:  If  the  regular  weekly  meeting  comes  on  Sunday  an 

Easter  song  service  very  early  in  the  morning  would  be  worth 
planning  for.  Get  the  girls’  glee  club  to  help  with  radiant 
Easter  songs,  such  as  “Christ,  the  Lord,  is  risen  today”. 


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SERIES  OF  THREE  VOCATIONAL  MEETINGS 

Subject: — Choosing  a Vocation. 

What  is  the  difference  between  a vocation  and  a job  ? 

How  choose  a vocation  ? 

1.  Need  of  knowing  all  about  work  itself  from  exper- 

ienced people  and  books  of  authority. 

2.  Frank  facing  of  one's  self. 

Weaknesses,  strong  points,  etc.,  not  from  one's 
own  standpoint  alone,  but  from  the  standpoint 
of  older  people  who  know*  both  the  girl  and  the 
demands  of  the  work  under  consideration. 

3.  Inner  motive  of  life,  whatever  the  form  of  work. 

Bible  Reading: — Matt.  26:39  “Nevertheless",  not  as  I will,  but 
as  Thou  wilt”. 

SECOND  AND  THIRD  MEETINGS  OF  SERIES 

Subject: — Kinds  of  work,  including  those  forms  “for  pay  other 
than  gold",  in  the  mountains,  city  slums,  frontiers,  etc.  in 
America  and  other  lands. 

References: — “Vocations  for  Trained  Women",  by  the  Women's 
Educational  & Industrial  Union. 

“Vocations  for  Girls",  by  Weaver. 

“North  American  Student,  December  1913’’, 
“The  Southern  Mountaineer". 

Literature  from  Home  Missionary  Societies  of 
various  denominations. 

“The  Association  Handbook”. 

An  article  by  Dr.  Cabot  in  “The  Atlantic  Monthly" 
entitled  “The  Call  of  the  Job". 


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TOPICS  FOR  MISSIONARY  MEETINGS 
Purpose  of  the  Missionary  Meetings  for  the  Year. 

Through  portraying  homely,  detailed  facts  about  women 
and  children  elsewhere,  to  make  clear  that  after  all  they  are 
not  just  “statistics”  because  they  happen  to  “live  on  a map”  but 
that  they  are  live  flesh  and  blood  “folks”  who  live,  and  love, 
and  suffer,  and  laugh,  and  die — thus  will  the  hearts  of  American 
girls  who  accept  unthinkingly  the  great  gifts  of  life  in  a Chris- 
tian land,  go  out  through  prayer  channels,  love  channels, 
money  channels,  life  channels,  to  guide  their  feet  into  the 
shining  way. 

It  is  fair,  is  it  not,  to  this  end,  to  ask  every'  missionary  who 
speaks  to  you  to  portray  the  realities  of  every  day  life  beyond 
the  seas,  that  those  who  hear  may  know  more  intelligently  how 
to  share? 

Interesting  Missionary  Countries  to  Contrast: — Russia,  Turkey, 
Persia,  China,  Japan,  India,  Africa,  South  America,  etc. 
References: — Church  papers;  mission  board  literature;  current 
magazines;  World’s  Student  Christian  Federation  Report 
(Mohonk);  Week  of  Prayer  literature;  foreign  pamphlets; 
Young  Women’s  Christian  Association  Handbook;  mission 
library  of  college  or  Association  or  ministers;  “The  Child  in 
the  Midst”,  by  Mrs.  Labaree;  “India  Awakening”,  by 
Sherwood  Eddy;  “The  Continent  of  Opportunity"  (South 
America)  by  Francis  Clark;  “The  Education  of  Women  in 
China”,  by  Margaret  Burton. 

I.  The  Life  of  the  Child  under  other  Skies. 

At  Play.  At  Work.  At  School. 


23 


II.  The  Social  Life  of  a Young  Girl  up  to  and  through  her 

Marriage. 

III.  Regular  meeting  during  Week  of  Prayer. 

(Christian  Work  of,  by,  and  for  Young  Women  Around 
the  World). 

IV.  Comparative  Religions,  as  to  God,  Life,  Ceremonies, 

Immortality,  etc.  Some  such  treatment  as  Chapter  3 
in  Dr.  Weatherford's  “Introducing  Men  to  Christ"  is 
very  easy  to  handle. 

V.  Student  Life  Around  the  World. 

VI.  How  a Foreign  Missionary's  Days  Go  By. 

(Have  you  the  idea  that  conference  missionaries  sit  on 
pedestals  and  preach  all  day  long  to  hungry  multi- 
tudes, or  do  you  know  how  they  do  social  work, 
gymnasium  work,— teaching  everything  imaginable, 
from  kindergarten  to  college,  etc.  ?) 

Or— The  life  of  some  interesting  missionary.  Six  girls 
might  talk,  each  on  a different  phase  of  the  life,  or  on 
different  years. 

VII.  Home  Missions. 

This  meeting  will  probably  come  within  the  vocational 
service  without  being  separate  from  it. 

VIII.  One  meeting  is  purposely  left  open,  to  be  filled  according 

to  local  opportunity. 

Note:  If  wise  in  some  colleges  to  have  the  balance  more 

nearly  equal  between  home  and  foreign  missions,  home  missjon 
subjects  such  as  ‘ The  Negro",  “The  Indian”,  “The  Immi- 
grant", (“those  who  knock  at  our  gates’’)  may  be  substituted. 


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